March 20, 1927 -- Feb. 13, 2005

Genevieve "Jenny" Benko, 77, of Jamestown Court North, formerly of South West Street, Mishawaka, Ind., passed away at 3 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, in Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend.

Jenny was born on March 20, 1927, in Mishawaka, to Cyriel and Anna (De Schepper) Van Hoedt, who preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death were her brothers and sisters, Leon Van Hoedt, Lucille Allen, Elsie Van Hoedt, Georgette De Vreese and Marie Forte.

On Nov. 17, 1950, in Mishawaka, as the former Genevieve Van Hoedt, she married Matthew Benko, who survives along with their children, Matthew (Lynn) Benko of Oak Park, Ill., Mary Jo Benko Stringer of Richardson, Texas, William (Debbie) Benko of Fairview, Texas, and Anna Marie (Jim) Busch of Portage, Mich.; nine grandchildren, Bob, Jackie, Andrew and Danny Busch, and Michael, Katy, Patrick, Savannah and Matthew Benko; and also a sister, Clara (John) Nate of Dowagiac, Mich.

Genevieve retired from Bendix in 1977 after working there for seven years; she also worked at the Manhattan Café. She was a lifetime area resident and was a member of St. Bavo Catholic Church, Mishawaka.

Jenny was a wonderful person; she was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She enjoyed life to the fullest and could always bring a smile to your face. Jenny will truly be missed by all but never forgotten.

Family and friends may visit from 3 to 7 p.m. today, Feb. 15, in the Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th St., Mishawaka. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16, in St. Bavo Catholic Church, Mishawaka, with Rev. Barry England officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Bavo Catholic Church, 511 W. 7th St., Mishawaka, IN 46544.